Welcome to the Southeast Louisiana Refuges Complex

You are invited to take a virtual tour of these eight refuges by viewing the links to the left.

The mission of these refuges and the National Wildlife Refuge System is to administer a national network of lands and waters for the conservation, management and where appropriate, restoration of the fish, wildlife and plant resources and their habitats within the United States for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans. These refuges are representative of the rich and varied habitat and wildlife resources of the coastal region of the state. They are part of a network of over 540 refuges throughout the country that are administered by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS).

SELA Refuges Complex Headquarters Location

The Southeast Louisiana Refuges' headquarters is located on a beautiful property in Lacombe, LA on Hwy 434 two miles south of I-12 (Exit 74). Watch for the Big Branch Marsh Refuge sign. Office Hours are 7 AM to 4 PM Monday through Friday. Our phone number is (985) 882-2000. The headquarters property is known as "Bayou Lacombe Centre."

Refuge Visitor Center

The refuge complex has opened its visitor center located at the complex headquarters address above. The center displays exhibits about all eight refuges managed by the Southeast Louisiana Refuges Complex. Staffed by volunteers, the visitor center is open Thursdays-Saturdays from 9:00am to 4:00pm. Volunteers are needed to help run the visitor center. Please contact the volunteer coordinator at 985-882-2024.

Announcements

Wild Things will be held October 15, 2016

Explore the wild things of Louisiana at this FREE family-friendly event. Owls, and alligators, and bears, oh my!.

Connect with your wild side and celebrate National Wildlife Refuge Week with us!

Southeast Louisiana Refuge Headquarters in Lacombe, LA is the site of the 19th Annual Wild Things community event. Children can build a birdhouse, learn how to canoe, see live animals, fish for prizes in our casting pond, take a pontoon boat ride of the Bayou, enjoy a variety of exhibits and hands on activities, see Louisiana native animals, and more. Food will be available for purchase, benefiting the Friends of Louisiana Wildlife Refuges Inc. Listen to live music as you enjoy a picnic lunch.

Event is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Wild Things Youth Art Contest and Exhibition

Calling all young artists between the ages of 5 - 18! Get inspired by nature and submit your drawing or painting of wildlife, a natural landscape, or habitat by September 30, 2016. The exhibition of all entries will occur at Wild Things. Awards are given for age categories and mediums. Download entry form and rules here.